In order to strengthen the protection of endangered plant and animal species, Uzbekistan has substantially increased fines for damage inflicted on flora and fauna listed in the Red Book, TuraNews.kz reports.
The Cabinet of Ministers recently approved amendments to the resolution titled “On the regulation of the use of biological resources and the procedure for passing permitting procedures in the field of nature use,” dated October 20, 2014. These changes come in response to the need for heightened legal measures against violations of legislation concerning the protection of the plant and animal world.
As outlined by Norma, the revised document introduces a fivefold increase in fines for damage incurred by plants enlisted in Uzbekistan’s Red Book. The compensation for harm to a single plant will now be 10 Basic Reference Values (BRV) for endangered species, 4 BRV for rare species, and 2.5 BRV for species in decline.
Moreover, fines for damage to animals have surged tenfold. For instance, the destruction of a single leopard will now incur a fine of 3,000 BRV for Uzbekistan citizens, while foreign citizens and legal entities will face a substantial penalty of $400,000.
This initiative underscores Uzbekistan’s commitment to preserving its unique biodiversity and serves as a deterrent against activities that threaten the existence of endangered plant and animal species. The increased fines aim to reinforce legal responsibility and encourage adherence to the laws governing the protection of the nation’s natural heritage.
